glass doors of the grocery store. three people jump out, head straight for the atm, load it right on to the truck. an employee says the whole thing took 90 seconds. the thieves then got away. i'm wondering if they were able to actually tap into the atm after that. >> it's effective. their methods are effective. breaking into that thing is a different story. >> 90 seconds. >> quick. >> i'm done. on a sports note, i was waiting for, you know, a classic line. >> it's my first day back. >> for sports though -- willis always has something to say. sunday marks the beginning of the end for one of the nfl's most feared and respected players. we're not talking about saint, new orleans saint. >> no, no. baltimore line backer ray lewis says he will retire when the ravens' playoff run is over. he's played 17 nfl seasons and named all pro in 13 of them. he says now is the time to spend a little more time being a

father. >> god is -- god is calling. god is calling in so many other areas of life. and my children -- my children have made the ultimate sacrifice for their father. the ultimate, you know, for 17 years. >> lewis has missed most of the season with a torn tricep but says he'll back and ready to taken to colts sunday in what's likely to be his last home game for the ravens. that doesn't spell good news for the colts. >> a well-earned retirement. enjoy. coming up, it's one of the season's most unsettling films. the stars of "django unchained" sit down with abc's cynthia mcfadden to talk about the language, the violence, and the controversy. and we'll tell you how an american plan to catch osama bin laden may be fueling violence against the pakistani people. you're watching "world news now."

>> announcer: "world news now" weather, brought to you by hotwire.com. >> i've been training all year for the big race in chicago, but i can only afford one trip. and i just found out my best friend is getting married in l.a. there's no way i'm missing that. then i heard about hotwire and i realized i could actually afford both trips. see, when really nice hotels have unsold rooms, they use hotwire to fill them. so i got my four-star hotels for half-price! >> men: ♪ h-o-t-w-i-r-e ♪ hotwire.com >> announcer: save big on car rentals too, from $12.95 a day.

welcome back, everybody. a serious story from pakistan. on tuesday, seven people were killed in what's considered the largest attack targeting efforts against polio. >> despite the attacks, vaccination workers say they will continue fighting this disease.

abc nick schifrin has the details. >> reporter: the woman beneath this shroud is dead simply because she cared for needily children. she and her team were buried after being gunned down in their van by militants. >> it was ambushed. six of the female workers -- >> reporter: this boy lost his mother in the attack, the third in just three weeks against workers taking part in what had been a very successful program to vaccinate against polio. the woman's boss says she blames the gunmen and the cia. the cia tried every idea it could think of to get into the compound. among the neighbors, the cia. they moved into one of these houses. they even hired this doctor to launch a fake vaccine campaign. but that may have backfired in the long-term, because today the taliban cites the program to justify their attacks. >> because of these attacks,

they've actually had to halt the polio vaccination campaign. this enormous barrier that's come in the decades long effort to eradicate polio is substantial and it's going to take a long time for that to go away. >> reporter: the longer the attacks continue, the larger the risk to millions of children and to the women who provide them care. nick schifrin, abc news, london. >> sad on multiple level there is. coming up next, tabu topics, rough language and a bloody tale of revenge. it all describes quentin tarantino's new movie. >> up next, abc's cynthia mcfadden sits down with the stars of this highly controversial film. it's coming up.

so maybe you've heard of quentin tarantino's new movie, "django unchained."

it could be his most successful movie. >> did we mention it's kind of controversial here? abc's cynthia mcfadden talked to the leading men. >> reporter: it is one of the best reviewed but most controversial movies of the year. quinten tarantino's film "django unchained." i sat down with two of the films stars, leonardo dicaprio and jamie foxx, along with the director, quentin tarantino. it's an epic, revenge fantasy. >> i like the way you die, boy. >> romantic westerns. one critic said recently, there's something for everyone to hate in this film. >> i don't think you do a film like this with quentin tarantino and not expect that. that's what you sign up for. >> i don't think anybody is going out there saying we used the word more excessively than it was used in 1858 in mississippi. >> reporter: leonardo plays the

despicable calvin candee. >> we got us a fight going on. it's a good bit of fun. >> reporter: a plantation owner and all-around bad guy, who uses the "n" word repeatedly. >> i have to say, the first day on set was incredibly difficult for me. >> it's supposed to be tough. you're not supposed to feel like that's normal in 2012, 2013. >> reporter: and then there's the violence. does the director think the violence he puts on the screen makes real violence more likely? >> it's nothing new. in shakespeare's time he was blamed all the time for the anarchy in the streets. there's violence in the streets. there's crime. who you blame? blame the playmakers, because it's easy to blame them. >> wow. controversial film. it's going to do very well, could be his best selling film ever. "kill bill," "pulp fiction."

he has quite a record. >> number two at the box office, but they say this could be the most violent yet. >> quinten, you know what you're getting with quinten, that's for sure. we'll be back with more after this.

♪ oh i need someone to read me stories ♪ ♪ oh someone to turn the page let me check. sorry. we're catching up. it's been a week. finally this half hour, you know, if you watch at all, she is my girl. who else but kim kardashian. >> and halle barry. >> kim now is with child. >> and beyonce. you've got a lot of girls. >> i get around. >> you've got to qualify that. but that didn't stop kim from a night out for new years, where she made her first comments about how her pregnancy is going. for one of hollywood's hottest couples, kim kardashian and kanye west rang in 2013 vegas style, celebrating a new year

and a new addition. proudly showing off her baby bump, the reality star spoke exclusively to "entertainment tonight" about her pregnancy. >> are you having morning sickness? cravings? >> i haven't yet. i wouldn't say that it's been easy, because it's been -- no morning sickness. >> this was a softer, warmer, really kind of engaging kim kardashian. >> the proud father to be, kanye west, first announced the news to 5,000 fans in atlantic city. >> can we make some noise for my baby mama right here? >> reporter: family and friends have been tweeting congratulations. sister kourtney wrote, been wanting to shout from the roof tops with joy, now i can. and demi lovato says so happy

for you. i can't wait to baby sit. but not everyone in the kardashian clan is so approving. according to "people" magazine, little brother rob reportedly said, i'm so proud of my sisters, but i'll be married before i have a baby. the 35-year-old rapper and 32-year-old reality bombshell went public with their relationship in march. however, kardashian is still legally wed to her second husband, nba player kris humphries. that union went down in flames just 72 days after their made-for-tv wedding spectacular in august of 2011. but for the soon-to-be mommy, 2013 will be about her new future and new baby. >> this new year is just about being happy and healthy. >> how do you feel? she's cheating on you. >> whoo! i'm heart broken to think she's messing around with kanye. but i learn to accept things and i'm going to move on. i wish them health and happiness and above all, i wish that kid doesn't come out butt first.

this morning on "world news now," relief rally. stocks soar on the first trading day of the year as wall street cheers the tax deal. >> but with the payroll tax cut gone, workers are busy figuring out what their first paychecks of 2013 will really look like. it is thursday, january 3rd. >> announcer: from abc news, this is "world news now." good morning, everybody. i'm rob nelson. feels good to say that again. >> you are ready to go. >> ready. i'm rested. feels good. it's rare. >> you are more chipper than normal. yeah, preez. >> it feels good. >> do you feel like a normal human being? >> it's strange. it will be gone by tomorrow, folks. don't get used to this. >> he'll be back to his cranky self. >> exactly.

>> but he's still as inappropriate now as he will be tomorrow. >> it's the overnight. >> and i'm paula faris on this thursday. after all the fiscal fireworks in washington, the new year started with a monster rally on wall street. but there's still plenty of finger pointing on capitol hill. also, the new focus on staying safe around propane grills after espn's hannah storm tells her story of being badly burned in an explosion. it's really important information that we need to disseminate. >> a household danger. i didn't know it happened to her until after she came out and said, this is what i've been through. so really scary there. >> yep. and then, precious moment. a touching delivery room photo goes viral. take a look at that. the details behind the picture make that our "favorite story of the day." that little hand reaching out. wow! and later -- were you pulling my finger? >> sorry.

>> sorry. >> and folks, we're back. we're back, officially. >> yes. the brangelina rumor mill is working overtime. plenty of clues that the couple may have tied the knot on christmas day. >> really? >> all the evidence coming up in "the skinny." >> wow. there we go. there we go. everyone is good. see, showing some restraint. first, president obama has officially signed the fiscal cliff bill into law, which preserves tax cuts for millions of americans. >> but that last-minute deal worked out in congress also has other far-reaching effects. with a look at them, here's abc's jonathan karl. [ gavel bangs ] >> reporter: it finally passed. >> the motion is adopted. >> reporter: but not before a political blood bath. at one point, the speaker of the house telling the top senate democrat to essentially buzz off. but using language we can't use on television. but it was speaker boehner who had to save the deal, fending off a revolt on his own party

and putting his job on the line, supporting something opposed by the vast majority of his fellow republicans. now that it's passed, what does it mean to you? for the first time in more than 20 years, you'll see tax increases on the wealthy. for taylor swift, who made an estimated $57 million last year, that's nearly $2.6 million in new taxes. warren buffett, who famously paid a lower tax rate than his secretary, will also take a hit. on an estimated earnings of $63 million, he'll pay at least an extra $2 million thanks to an increase in the capital gains tax. for those making under $400,000, no income tax hike. but your paycheck will still take a hit because the social security payroll tax cut passed two years ago is now gone. for workers earning $50,000, that will mean $1,000 less in their paychecks over the next year. and the bill extends unemployment benefits for some 2

million people looking for work. but even as that was resolved, a political firestorm erupted over what congress has failed to do, adjourning without passing an aid bill for victims of hurricane sandy. >> the rug was pulled out from under us. absolutely indefensible. >> absurd! absolutely absurd! >> shame on you, mr. speaker. >> reporter: the failure to even vote on the $60 billion bill prompted an outburst from new jersey governor chris christie. >> 66 days and counting. shame on you. shame on congress. >> reporter: his wrath aimed squarely at republican leaders in congress. >> they forget we sent them there. we sent them there to do the work for us. not to sit down there and play with each other. >> reporter: all that sound and fury apparently paid off. late wednesday, the speaker of the house said that aid to victims of hurricane sandy would be the first priority of the new congress to be sworn in on thursday. the first vote for sandy victims coming on friday. jonathan karl, abc news, the white house.

>> understandable outrage. you have to wonder why it was handled so poorly. and why -- why scrap the bill? at least give the folks a heads up that we're not going to do it right now. we'll do it later in the month. it just -- it seems like that could have been an avoidable episode of outrage from within the republican party. >> yes. there's a lot of that going on right now. despite all of that, they said they're still going to vote -- the republicans that were very vocal against the speaker of the house, said they would still vote for him. >> again, people think the cliff thing is over and i think you pointed on the show earlier this week that payroll tax holiday, roughly what, 1.2%? it's going up a little bit. so everyone is still going to take a hit. so that paycheck tomorrow, open it up. everyone is still taking a hit. we got the bush tax cuts settled. the payroll tax is gone, roughly 2%. so everyone still gets a little pinch come paycheck time this month. in related news, the fiscal cliff agreement ignited the stock market yesterday. the first trading day of this new year. the dow was up more than 300

points. its biggest gain since december of 2011. hillary clinton is back home this morning after being released from a new york hospital with her husband and daughter at her side. clinton walked out of columbia presbyterian yesterday afternoon. a spokesman says the secretary of state is anxious to get back to washington, but her stay won't be long. president obama has already nominated john kerry to take clinton's place. we just hope that she takes some well-deserved time off. >> absolutely. it's certain to be a very emotional day for parents as sandy hook elementary students return to classes for the first time since the massacre there. families got a chance yesterday to check out the new school, which has been renovated to accommodate younger kids. the sign outside of chalk hill middle school has now been changed to read "sandy hook elementary school." green ribbons of support line the road to the school. >> a great deal of thought and effort and volunteer work to make this as seamless as possible. at one point, there were 80

people in the building cleaning up the building, doing the kinds of things, painting to make it really look cheerful and happy. >> at the nearby volunteer firehouse, where so many parents learned the grim news that their children had died, 26 bronze stars now line the roof. 20 small ones for the first grade students and 6 larger stars for the adults. and the suburban new york newspaper that sparked outrage by identifying thousands of gun owners has hired armed guards to protect its own staff. in response to the newtown school shooting, "the journal news" posted an interactive map last week listing the names and addresses of people with gun permits. the paper has received a flood of negative reaction, including an intimidating e-mail. and one nearby county is refusing the newspaper's request for the names of its permit holders. putnam county officials say the move is an invasion of privacy that could endanger lives, but

they may not have much of a choice under the freedom of information law. but you wonder, i understand that they want to disseminate this information and engage people and just start a coop ver sags. but what good are you doing by listing the names and addresses of those who are within their legal right of owning a gun? >> that's my question, what is the end game here? what's the goal? the bottom line is, you can't really fault the paper. they should explain more what they're trying to do, but it is public information. if you're registered with the government, it makes it a public record. if you applied for a permit. so there's no legality in terms of should it be public. the answer is clearly yes. but it's just what is the goal here? now we know who applied. now what? >> is it going to turn neighbor against neighbor here? i don't see the goal. >> i don't know. i guess maybe they got wrapped up in the debate so they wanted to stoke it a little. >> i thought it was interesting from this particular county, they said -- they're calling "the journal news" editors elitist eggheads and called the decision to publish the maps as asinine.

how about that? >> we'll hear what the newspaper has to say in response to that. but no, no -- any way. relatives of some of the 12 people killed in the colorado movie theater massacre have flatly rejected an invitation to attend the reopening of the theater. outraged family members called it a quote disgusting offer, saying cinemark had not reached out to them previously to offer condolences for what happened there months ago. the january 17th event is being called an evening of remembrance, but some relatives say it's merely a politics relations ploy. a passing to note. singer patty page has died. ♪ how much is that doggy in the window ♪ ♪ the one with the waggly tail >> got to love that voice. she spent two months at number one in 1952 with "how much is that doggy in the window." and her song "tennessee waltz" reached the top of the charts.

in r & b and country simultaneously. she won her only grammy award in 1999. she will be given a lifetime achievement award at the upcoming grammys. she died tuesday in california. she was 85. >> everybody loves that song. >> i love it. love it. here's your thursday forecast, everybody. up to six inches of snow in southwest texas and the new mexico desert. it will be a little windy in southern cali and some light lake-effect snow from grand rapids to western new york and pennsylvania. thunderstorms in the southeast. showers along the gulf coast. >> just shy of 50 in dallas, atlan atlanta, and new orleans. mostly 30s in the northeast. teens in minneapolis and fargo. and coming up after the break, we told you about hannah storm's triumphant return to tv after a horrible propane accident that left her seriously hurt. >> up next, how to make sure your propane grill is safe and secure. great information you need to know, coming up on "world news now."

>> announcer: "world news now" weather brought to you by ariba medical. every time someone chooses finish over cascade,

it sparks a movement. look! no ugly spots! and see that shine! you've got to try finish. because once they try finish, they can't keep it to themselves. i'm switching for good. wow! awesome! finish is seriously good. cannot believe how great it works. incredible shine. i won't use anything else. love, love, love finish! so far over a million neighbors, friends, and family have switched to finish. join the finish revolution and get up to 50% off. [ male announcer ] why do more emergency workers everywhere trust duracell...?? duralock power preserve. locks in power for up to 10 years in storage. now...guaranteed. duracell with duralock. trusted everywhere.

introducing a revolutionary new mascara. clump crusher...crusher. 200% more volume. zero clumps. new clump crusher from easy, breezy, beautiful covergirl.

welcome back, everyone. early january really isn't barbecue season for most of the country. but it's as good a time as any for a safety lesson. >> this all comes after the burning of espn anchor hannah storm by her propane grill and later, her brave return back to the air. abc's lisa stark reports. >> a great beginning to what should be a spectacular parade.

>> reporter: it's nearly impossible to tell that our colleague, hannah storm, is recovering from serious burns. less than a month ago, her outdoor propane grill exploded. >> i remember i yelled inside to my 15-year-old daughter, who was in the kitchen, mommy's on fire. you have to call 911. >> reporter: the flames burned her face, neck, chest and hand. hannah had lit the grill but when she went to check on it ten minutes later, the flame had blown out. she went to light it again, not realizing that even though the top had been open, an invisible cloud of propane had formed. >> i relit the flame and it was a wall of fire, a huge explosion. >> reporter: you can see from videos on youtube just how dangerous propane grills can be if not used carefully. something grillmakers warn about. we put it to the test. watch what happens if you light the grill with the top closed. the gas builds up. and james novak of the st. paul, minnesota fire department shows us what happens if the grill goes out. the propane keeps flowing. you go to relight the grill.

watch again as those doors blow open. here's what's happening. if the flame goes out, the gas can begin to fill up the grill, especially if the tank isn't -- the tank is enclosed. because propane is heavier than air, it's slow to dissipate, even more so in cold weather, pooling around the tank and grill. so when you go to relight, this could happen to you. if your grill goes out and you need to relight it, how long should you wait? >> most manufacturers' instructions will say a minimum of five minutes. >> reporter: so again, if your flame goes out, open the grill, turn off the valve, wait five minutes, and trust your nose. oh, i do smell that. propane has an added odor, like rotten eggs. although hannah says she never smelled anything. she's just thankful now to be on the mend. lisa stark, abc news, washington. >> how very lucky. props to her for having the spirit to come back and get back

on the air. and to her hair and makeup people. she looked wonderful when she got back on if air, as well. but there's a lesson for all the grillers out there for sure. >> take heed of that advice. let it dissipate, open up the top of the grill, wait five minutes before you try to relight it. >> and the smell test. >> or buy charcoal, which i have. >> even better. up next, did brad and angelina tie the knot? >> why some say the two got hitched. "the skinny" is coming up next on "world news now." >> announcer: "world

♪ skinny so skinny ♪ oh! >> willis just woke up. >> willis just woke up. exactly. time for my first "skinny" of 2013. could be big news here. according to the "telegraph" here, brad and angelina may have tied the knot over christmas. eight months they announced their engagement back in april of 2012. and now there are some reports out there saying they did, indeed, tie the knot. they had this holiday vacation in the caribbean, and there was reports that there was a very private, small ceremony. maybe kind of to fool the press. and they're saying these two are officially, could be officially husband and wife after seven years together. he's 49, she's 37. six kids and apparently, get this, when you have six kids, guess how many nannies they took on this vacation? 12. 12 nannies for 6 kids.

>> so they took two on one fwr each child? >> that's it. >> maybe brad just likes to have a harem. >> that's it. maybe they got hitched. could be. we'll see. >> that would have been a perfect ploy, christmas day, paparazzi. probably, you know -- >> everyone off for the holidays. smart thinking. we'll see if it's true though. some groundbreaking modeling news coming from serbia. for the first time, a transgender model has been on an "elle" cover. this is andreas, she's a he in real life. but he's the first -- well, not first, but he's an an droj nous model. he models both male and female clothes. he's previously modeled lingerie. he says my gender is open to artistic interpretation. he hit the cat walk dressed as both sexes. the first transgender model to be on the cover of "elle."

in the magazine, it's kind of like his two sides struggling with one another. the female is dressed in a black, lacy lingerie and suspenders and wrestles with the male who wears a variety of dark suits. she's pretty. >> something different. >> ahead, "elle," magazine. and props to j.j. abrams, director of the new "star trek" movie. word got out that there was this person named dan, a 41-year-old man dying of cancer after damage to his liver. word got out he was a die hard "star trek" fan. long story short, the director of movie got dan in to see a special screening of the movie and he was able to do that. so we wanted to tip out hat to him for a move very well done to honor a man's dying wish. and a huge fan. that's great. >> very cool. and finally, katie holmes.

is she dating jake gyllenhaal? yes, according to the italian tabloids. but according to reps for jake and katie, they say it's a complete 100% fabrication. cute couple, though. cute couple, though. the truth about mascara is... it clumps. introducing a revolutionary new mascara. clump crusher...crusher. 200% more volume. zero clumps. new clump crusher from easy, breezy, beautiful covergirl.

before the tissue, help defend with a wipe. before the cold & flu season, help prevent with lysol. because when you have 10 times more protection with each hand wash... and kill 99.9% of germs around the house with each spray... those healthy habits start to add up. this season, a good offense is the best defense and lysol has your family covered because that's our mission for health. we can afford to take an extra trip this year. first boston... then san francisco. hotwire checks the competitions' rates every day so they can guarantee their low prices. so our hotels were half price. ♪ h-o-t-w-i-r-e... ♪ hotwire.com plus the perfecting color of a bb cream equal? introducing the newest beauty trend. total effects cc cream c for color. c for correction.

[ female announcer ] fight 7 signs of aging flawlessly. cc what's possible. ♪ isn't she lovely, isn't she wonderful ♪ a little stevie wonder. all right. finally this half hour, some kids in the spotlight. we're going to start in akron, ohio, where two little boys were born on monday. their mothers share a bond, too. they are identical twins. >> ashley and amy nelson say they didn't plan on getting pregnant at the same time, it just happened. and their mom says she's not surprised, because her girls have had a twins' connection forever. >> they would go shopping on two totally different occasions, not even talking to each other and

will end up bringing home the same thing, but opposite colors. until this day they do that. >> donovan and aden were born an hour and 52 minutes apart. everybody is doing well. cute kids, welcome to the world. and now we have an amazing image that's going to take place at that magical moment of birth. and that's why it is our "favorite story of the day." >> we should say that some might find the photograph at the center of the story fairly graphic. but it really does kind of capture a unique and wonderful moment for the family you're about to meet. adam slinger of our phoenix station reports. >> reporter: when you realize what you're seeing, you probably won't believe it. >> as soon as i looked at it, looked in the camera and saw the picture, i was like wow, this is awesome. >> reporter: not even officially born for another 15 seconds, the picture shows a baby holding on to the doctor's hand during a c-section. >> he knew right away it was going to be a good photo. >> reporter: alicia atkins is a professional photographer. but it was her husband, randy, that took the impaj that she'll never forget. >> my daughter reached up out of my stomach. >> reporter: she posted the picture on facebook the day

after christmas and gave it as a gift to the man who gave her baby a helping hand. >> i saw the hand just barely up against the bag of water. >> reporter: the doctor delivers the baby back on october 9th. he says usually the baby's head is the first thing he sees, but not this time. >> i've never captured that picture before. so that's really rare. >> it's such a miracle of life. >> it was an awesome experience to have. >> aw. the miracle of birth. this guy, if and when he ever becomes a father, just clean it up and let me know when i can return. >> i like the kid when the kid is cleaned up and with the beanie on. that's when i get involved. all that other stuff? that is a beautiful -- you're a mom, you appreciate that. >> youfl be involved once the birth is over. >> just cleaned up a little bit. that is a pretty picture. so congrats. >> it's a miracle. >> the miracle of life. >> announcer: this is "abc's "world

this morning on "world news now," back to school. the small survivors of sandy hook elementary are about to take a big step at getting back to normal. >> and there are caring adults ready to welcome the children to their new school today, less than a month after the massacre. it's thursday, january 3rd. >> announcer: from abc news, this is "world news now." >> don't mind us. >> we're just catching up. >> we're just really catching up. haven't seen you in a while. new year's was good? >> yeah. >> good morning, everybody. i'm paula faris. >> and i'm rob nelson. so many people have gone to such great lengths to try to make the children of sandy hook feel safe today as they finally head back to school. we'll have a look inside their new classrooms coming up in a moment. a big step forward, hopefully for that entire community.

so -- and then also this half hour, hillary clinton, she is out of the hospital with her husband and daughter at her side. what doctors, though, are saying now about the secretary of state's treatment for that blood clot. also, almost a year after a devastating stroke, illinois senator mark kirk is set to return to capitol hill today, ready to walk up 45 symbolic steps. should be an emotional and especially symbolic for him. this is a huge milestone for him. >> absolutely. and kind of completes the recovery, in a way. like a back to work, back up those steps. and later, it takes two. the 5-year-old twins who make quite a team, managing to save their mom's life. how they sprang into action when exactly they were needed the most. >> they have lots of energy. but first, students from sandy hook elementary return to class for the first time since the shooting. they return later this morning. >> they're going to be going to

a different campus, but one that's been made over with their specific needs in mind. abc's amy robach reports. >> reporter: it may take some extra time on the school bus, but that ride may feel extra special. the streets leading to their new school, lined with their school color, green, and signs of love and support. snowflakes hang throughout the newly named building, sent in from around the world with messages of hope. in a matter of weeks, the community has been hard at work, retrofitting a building originally designed as a middle school to meet the needs of younger students. bathroom sinks and toilets were lowered and the gym remodeled. and in many classes, students will return to find the desks exactly as they left them. >> a great deal of thought and effort and volunteer work to make this as seamless as possible. at one point, there were 80 people in the building cleaning up the building, doing the kinds of things, painting to make it really look cheerful and happy. >> reporter: there will be familiar faces, as well. not only will students be reunited with their heroic

teachers, sandy hook's new principal is actually its former principal. donna page, who retired just two years ago. >> when you return to familiarity, in a situation that feels really comfortable, that will really help restore your previous beliefs and restore that world view that might have gotten shaken up by the trauma. >> reporter: and officials also know the importance of restoring a sense of security for everyone. lieutenant, what makes this the safest school in america? >> i think right now it has to be the safest school in america. we've installed numerous different security devices at this school. and we are going to remain on location, our presence, until further notice. >> reporter: and because everyone knows these first few days will be a balancing act between security and normalcy, parents are going to be allowed to bring their children back into the classroom.

and school officials hope someone else will help ease that transition, the school's pet. shelly the turtle will be there welcoming the students back. amy robach, abc news, monroe, connecticut. >> you can see all the effort they put in to getting that campus ready. how good it is to see that. i love two things. one, that idea that those snowflakes to decorate the school were sent in from around the world. literally. that is so cool. and the principal, who is coming back, the principal there for 14 years before retiring in 2010. and she said, you know what? it was my calling to come back after the tragedy. i just think for what happened there, it's coming together today on a lot of different levels. >> a familiar face, a much-needed familiar face. one parent said about the principal, she could be a tough one, but she does everything completely out of love. that's why she stepped forward and came out of retirement. >> there will be a lot of love in that building today. you know that. >> sure will. and people who lost loved ones in another mass shooting expressing outrage. relatives of victims in the colorado movie theater shooting fired off an angry letter after getting an invitation to the reopening of that theater. details now from jacqueline allen from our denver affiliate.

>> our response to your ridiculously offensive invitation. >> reporter: the strongly worded letter sums up how jessica watts feels about the recent e-mail invitation to a special evening of remembrance, telling mer to reserve tickets for you and your guests for a free movie. >> like it's a hollywood premiere. it is not. >> reporter: her cousin was one of the 12 killed in the shooting last july. >> that is one of the most horrible things that i could do to honor his memory is to sit in a theater where he died and watch a movie. >> reporter: cinemark refused comment. but previously pointed out the public opinion was overwhelmingly in support of reopening the theater. the mayor, steve hogan, also would not comment on camera, but released this statement saying -- for some, the reopening of the theater might be painful.

for others, healing. that is why it's important for the victims and their families to have a choice whether or not they want to attend the reopening. >> we have the preliminary hearing coming up next week, and we're just trying to live each and every day through the moments that we don't have our loved ones. >> reporter: some victims' families say, timing is everything, and cinemark's is awful. we're also getting word this morning of a deadly shooting in switzerland. a gunman with an assault rifle opened fire in a village east of geneva, killing three people and injuring two others. the shooter was wounded by police. he's described as a 30-year-old local resident who had been drinking heavily. switzerland has one of the highest levels of gun ownership in the entire world. however, gun-related crime there is remarkably low. now that she's been released from the hospital, her staff says secretary of state hillary clinton is eager to get back to the office. clinton left the hospital yesterday afternoon with her husband and daughter at her side. doctors say they expect her to make a full recovery after the discovery of a blood clot near her brain. the junior senator from

the state of illinois is returning to work in washington today nearly a year after suffering a major stroke. after months of grueling physical and speech therapy, senator mark kirk has limited use of his left arm and needs a cane or even a wheelchair sometimes. but the 53-year-old is as determined as ever. he said he visualized climbing the 45 steps to the capitol as a source of inspiration. >> i just thought about the capitol has an awful lot of steps. that would be a good, symbolic goal for me. and to me, it's about setting goals almost every month that are big enough and meaningful for me. >> kirk will have a scaled-back schedule and do less traveling but says he still has the stamina to do his job. >> that's inspirational. in just a few hours, the 113th congress will be sworn in. the ceremony takes place at noon today. this year's freshman class is going to look very different

than those in the past. for the first time, the new congress will have 20 female senators. that is the most in history. it will also have the fewest number of military veterans since world war ii. and tammy baldwin, a democrat from wisconsin, will become the nation's first openly gay senator. >> and their plate will be full. everyone is cheering this tax deal that got done with the fiscal cliff. essentially what they did was establish three more fiscal cliffs to deal with. one over the sequester, which are the massive spending cuts. that's going to happen in the next two months. then the debt ceiling debate and then also a continuing budget resolution. so there are three more cliffs coming in 2013. it's going to be another year where congress will be wrapped up in fiscal matters. you wonder what else could or would or will get done this year. >> maybe they will be more productive, though. maybe they can get along. >> i love your optimism. so good luck. >> my new year's resolution is to be more optimistic. it's only day three, though. >> good luck, congress. also overnight, we learned that president obama signed the fiscal cliff bill, which preserves tax cuts for most americans.

the agreement passed by congress sent stocks surging with the dow jones up 300 points. the euphoria, though, ain't going to last long. big cuts with defense were not worked out, but were delayed for two months. another example of kicking that can down the road. and a small plane has crashed at a las vegas airport. but fortunately, no one was seriously injured. the twin engine plane skidded off the runway, burst into flames yesterday afternoon. the two people on board managed to escape before the fire engulfed the cabin. escaping without serious injuries. amazing. powerful winds in southern california knocked out power and caused major travel problems. this big rig was knocked on its side by those winds, leaving the driver with a broken leg. that is some pretty hefty winds. >> mother nature, man. also, at a nearby construction site, work came to

a halt after the winds blew down a fence and knocked over the port-a-potties. ic. it's expected to be just as windy today. oh, you know what? the poor soul that had to clean that up. >> hopefully nobody was in there. >> oh. >> i've always wondered, too, like, when you're inside of one, i hope this doesn't teeter over. >> is that a fear of yours? >> that is one of my phobias. that and i'm scared of the dark. >> scaresed of the dark. >> scared of the dark. >> we'll keep the light on in the port-a-potty. you'll be all right. >> here's a look at your thursday weather. up to a half foot of snow from southern new mexico to southwest texas. showers from corpus christi to mobile. thunderstorms from orlando to the coastal carolinas. and lake-effect snow from erie, pennsylvania to grand rapids. >> 30s from detroit to new york. upper forts from atlanta to dallas. 82 wonderfully in miami. just 20s from boise to salt lake city.

all right, caffeine lovers. do you want to get your caffeine fix and help the environment at the same time? no. but if you want to, you're in luck. >> starting today, starbucks is rolling out its reusable plastic cup. it will cost you $1 and you can get ten cents off each cup of coffee when you buy it -- when you use it. hopes are not too high for it. a few years ago, starbucks said they wanted to serve a quarter of their drinks in these things. that goal has since been reduced to a mere 5%. every little bit helps. it's for the environment. >> i'm just thinking how to keep it sanitary. do you just pull it out of your purse? >> go home, put it in the dishwasher. run some hot water. >> and then you put it in your purse? or you have to carry it or what have you? >> oh, the producers. they wash it for you when you get there. they do. thank you, suzanne, for that little tip. put you at ease? >> i'm at ease. it's going to be a great year. a phobia-free, a germ-free year.

>> yep. coming up, how two 5-year-old girls had the wherewithal to save their mom's life. but first, pop stars and paparazzi. a photographer's pursuit turns deadly. now it's sparked a call for change. you're watching "world news now." >> announcer: "world news now" weather brought to you by the child find. every time someone chooses finish over cascade,

it sparks a movement. because people can't keep it to themselves. look! no ugly spots! awesome! incredible shine. i'm switching for good. love, love, love finish! over a million people have switched to finish. join the finish revolution and get up to half off. introducing a revolutionary new mascara.

clump crusher...crusher. 200% more volume. zero clumps. new clump crusher from easy, breezy, beautiful covergirl. welcome back, everyone. l.a. paparazzi are coming to the defense of one of their own. they're saying the photographer who died taking pictures of justin bieber's car should not be used as an example by those who fight against what the

celebrity picture-takers do. >> bieber was not there for tuesday's deadly incident. abc's brandi hitt is in l.a. with more. good morning, brandi. >> reporter: good morning, rob and paula. stars say this incident shows the paparazzi has gone too far. miley cyrus tweeted, a deadly incident like this was bound to happen. and justin bieber is demanding action. justin bieber says enough is enough after a paparazzo was killed photographing his car in los angeles. bieber's friend was driving his white ferrari tuesday night and was pulled over for speeding. that's when officers say photographer chris garra parked his car and crossed this busy street to snap pictures. >> he verbally ordered him to return back to the vehicle. he had to order him twice. >> reporter: garra was then struck by an suv and killed. bieber wasn't even there. in a statement, he offered his condolences to garra's family and said, hopefully this tragedy

will inspire meaningful ledge lags and whatever other necessary steps to protect the lives and safety of celebrities, police officers, innocent public bystanders, and the photographers themselves. this also isn't the first dangerous run-in involving paparazzi and the pop star. >> 911 emergency, what are you reporting? >> hello, i have like five cars following me. >> reporter: last july, a high-speed chase led to a photographer being arrested and charged with california's 2009 anti-paparazzi law. but a judge later threw out those charges and said the law was too broad. in this case, garra's friends claim he was the victim. >> he loved the people that he was following, and was respecting the celebrity. he always played by the rules. >> reporter: the driver who hit garra on the busy street had her two grandchildren in the car. the lapd says she was not at fault and will not be charged. rob and paula? >> let that debate rage on. up next, two smart little girls, savvy little girls who helped save their mama's life. >> how they did it and their

mother's emotional reaction. you're watching "world news now." >> announcer: "world news now"

♪ how could i stay up with you all night then i'd know how to save a life ♪ welcome back, everybody. this story is great. a mother in brooklyn, new york, has her own daughters to thank for saving her life. they came to the rescue on new year's day. >> and their story serves as a reminder to make sure your youngsters know what to do in the event of an emergency. stacey sager of new york's wabc reports. >> reporter: they are every bit the typical 5-year-old girls, except little alexa did something extraordinary. she saved her mother's life. >> i never realized just how serious something like this could be. until now.

>> reporter: suzanne abonna tells us she and her daughters hadn't felt very well for days. suzanne, cooking on three different burners, when suddenly she was overcome. she fell to the floor like this. her daughter, michaela trying to wake her, drawing her pictures to make her better. then little alexa sprang into action. and she knew just who to call. you called your grandma, right? >> yes. >> reporter: the girl's grandma got here and was so upset on the phone with 911, alexa saved the day again. >> she said, grandma, our address is and then told us the address. >> reporter: suzanne's carbon monoxide alarm did go off, but it was late, after she was already passed out. and after the emergency workers were already here. suzanne and her girls were all treated here at the medical center, where doctors say both girls also had elevated levels of carbon monoxide. >> it could have been much worse for the girls. could have been much worse for mom. it could have been a real tragedy. >> reporter: for a family that's suffered already.

the girls' dad died only a year and nine months ago. >> they lost their daddy. i don't want them to lose me. it was just very scary. >> reporter: the lesson, teach your kids 911 and emergency numbers. suzanne forever grateful. >> they're my life. my life. >> wow. >> what a great lesson for those of us that have children. i don't think -- my daughter knows how to play with the many apps on my phone. but i don't know if she knows how to dial 911. >> today kids are so tech savvy. they should know. >> she could figure out if i told her. call 911. >> have you instilled in them an emergency plan? >> she would talk to siri. >> have you taught them an emergency plan? >> i haven't. i will after that. real quick facebook announcement. big announcement at "world news now." we're finally able to drink. >> not on the air. we turn 21 tomorrow, the show does. we have a big celebration planned. go to our facebook question of

the day. what did you do when you turned 21? let us know. at wnnfans.com. [ female announcer ] think you need a department store counter to treat your anti-aging concerns? join the counter revolution and switch to olay pro-x. achieve anti-aging results so you look up to 12 years younger. see results in 28 days. guaranteed or your money back. olay pro-x. i've got a nice long life ahead. big plans. so when i found out medicare doesn't pay all my medical expenses, i looked at my options. then i got a medicare supplement insurance plan.

[ male announcer ] if you're eligible for medicare, you may know it only covers about 80% of your part b medical expenses. the rest is up to you. call now and find out about an aarp medicare supplement insurance plan, insured by unitedhealthcare insurance company. like all standardized medicare supplement plans, it helps pick up some of what medicare doesn't pay. and could save you thousands in out-of-pocket costs. to me, relationships matter. i've been with my doctor for 12 years. now i know i'll be able to stick with him. [ male announcer ] with these types of plans, you'll be able to visit any doctor or hospital that accepts medicare patients. plus, there are no networks, and you never need a referral to see a specialist. so don't wait. call now and request this free decision guide to help you better understand medicare... and which aarp medicare supplement plan might be best for you.

there's a wide range to choose from. we love to travel -- and there's so much more to see. so we found a plan that can travel with us. anywhere in the country. [ male announcer ] join the millions of people who have already enrolled in the only medicare supplement insurance plans endorsed by aarp, an organization serving the needs of people 50 and over for generations. remember, all medicare supplement insurance plans help cover what medicare doesn't pay. and could save you thousands a year in out-of-pocket costs. call now to request your free decision guide. and learn more about the kinds of plans that will be here for you now -- and down the road. i have a lifetime of experience. so i know how important that is.

♪ okay, so this is a law that i can appreciate in israel. they like a little meat on their models. there's a controversial new law that was passed in march. the models there, they have to prove that they've maintained a bmi, a body mass index of at least 18.5 for three months prior to a fashion shoot and also a woman who is 5'8" can weigh no less than 119 pounds. it also requires advertisers who thin out a model's body with retouching software to disclose that. >> that's a debate here in this country, about be up front if you've been photo-shopped or air-brushed, own it. i like that. so that's good. a little meat on the bones, nothing wrong with that. i like it.

this story, i kind of found depressing. there's a new study out, this is from "the daily mail." they said that this generation, current generation is ruder than -- >> shut up, what are you talking about? >> they distinguished between people over 55 and those between 18 and 34 years old. they said the younger folks now are more reluctant to give a cup of tea to builders or tip the postman at christmas. they're less likely to say hello to neighbors or open the door for the elderly compared to people who are 55 years old. that's our age bracket. do you think we're ruder? you know, i try to be -- >> i think the young folks are a lot ruder. like 25 and under. we talk about the entitlement generation, their sense of entitlement. >> the work ethic is a little questionable. no offense. >> i think we are perfectly kind. just shut up and let me do my next story. >> go ahead, moron. do it. >> jerk.

serious. i just want to hit you. any way, do you drink water out of plastic bottles? >> all the time. yeah, yeah. >> don't go to concord, massachusetts, because you'll be fined for it. they're one of the first communities to ban the sale of single-serving plastic bottles. the first offense, a slap on the wrist, the second, $25 fine, the third $50 fine. it's all going to be enforced by concord's health division. they say they're campaign banned the bottles, saying it takes 70 million barrels of oil per year to make all the bottles used in the u.s. alone. that's enough oil to fuel 1.3 million cars. >> my girlfriend is very environmental. gets mad at me because i constantly buy water bottles. also, again, from brazil, someone putting their virginity on the auction block. this woman says i'm going to auction off my virginity to help my mom with her medical bills. the mother doesn't want her to do it. she rejected an offer by a tv

this morning on "world news now," a bittersweet return. >> the children of sandy hook elementary school return to the classroom today. but they're not alone. they will bring with them the nation's hopes for their healing. it's thursday, january 3rd. >> announcer: from abc news, this is "world news now." good morning, everyone. i'm paula faris. >> and good morning, everybody. i'm rob nelson. good to be back after a little vacation. >> how do you feel? >> rested, which is a strange, weird feeling on this shift. >> he's been chatting it up with all of us here for the last couple of hours. not that you usually don't, but you have an unusual little jump in your step. >> it's called sleep. >> it is. >> it is called sleep.

>> isn't it amazing, the wonders of sleep? >> happy new year's to you guys, and a happy one-year anniversary to you. >> you missed all the fun. there's cake in the break room. good morning again, everybody. more on this emotional return to school for the sandy hook students coming up in just a second, including how their classrooms have been meticulously re-created to make sure all those young kids feel at home. a big day for that community. hopefully some return to normalcy for those guys. first, though, some of the other stories we're following for you this half hour. the nation did avoid the fiscal cliff and wall street responded positively. how the new deal will benefit your retirement savings. rob and i will actually look into our 401(k). no, that's not happening. >> that is not gonna happen. >> three months. >> you don't want to see us cry. >> yeah. also new this morning, a followup on that deadly attack on aid workers in pakistan. we'll learn how a failed plan to capture osama bin laden may have led to a violent climate against innocent civilians who were only trying to help others.

and a new movie touching nerves and sparking controversy. we'll hear from the stars of "django unchained." about why so many people have strong opinions on this movie. a fascinating interview. >> i have not seen it yet. i want to. i hear jamie foxx is pretty good. but tarantino does not shy away from controversy. that's for sure. >> not at all. >> not at all, yeah. but first, children, teachers, and staff that survived the sandy hook shooting take up a familiar routine this morning. they're going to school. >> parents are being reassured that the new setting is the safest school in the entire country. abc's diana perez has more on this. good morning, diana. >> reporter: rob and paula, it's been less than three weeks since the massacre at sandy hook elementary school in newtown, connecticut. it will be a long time before things return to normal for the children of sandy hook elementary. but in an effort to bring them one step closer, they saw their teachers again wednesday and walked through what will be their new school. >> children are coming in. they're so excited to see their teachers.

the students coming in completes the circle. that's what is missing right now is getting our students back. >> reporter: class resumes today at a retro-fitted middle school in neighboring monroe, connecticut. the school held an open house for students and parents to take a look around. it's the first time they'll be back in school since the december 14th massacre. for weeks, sandy hook teachers have worked to re-create ever aspect of their old school. desks, backpacks. even the pencils on their desk will be in the same place they left them. the sign has been changed to read, sandy hook elementary school, and green ribbons of support line the road to school. >> a great deal of thought and effort and volunteer work to make this as seamless as possible. >> reporter: but some things are different, like counselors who will be at the school to help students, parents, and teachers transition back. and an increased police presence. >> our goal is to make it a safe and secure learning environment for these kids to return to.

along with the teachers also. right now it has to be the safest school in america. >> reporter: the school's old principal came out of retirement to replace beloved principal dawn hochsprung. she was one of the 6 administrators and 20 children that adam lanza killed that day before taking his own life. a spokesperson for adam lanza's father says he has claimed his son's body and is planning a private burial. to washington now where a major battle still looms over spending cuts. the fiscal cliff agreement puts off the budget fight for only two months. but the fact that lawmakers reached any agreement sent stocks higher. here's abc's bianna golodryga. [ bell ringing ] >> reporter: if you combine the 300 plus jobs with the additional 166 points for new year's eve, the blue chips had their biggest point gains ever for the last day and first day of any year. >> it was a relief rally, with the deal being done, the markets up as a sigh of relief. >> reporter: all 30 dow jones stocks were up, and more than 90% of the s & p 500.

the markets were optimistic that the economy wouldn't fall into recession after congress agreed to a deal that prevented most tax increases and postponed painful government spending cuts for another two months. big name stocks and technology companies, the engines that helped fuel economic growth, did particularly well. >> removing uncertainty like the fiscal cliff, things like the debt ceiling, that's going to help bring things into a clearer focus. and should ultimately help both the economic performance and the performance of everyone's 401(k). >> reporter: that's a relief to 60 million americans invested in 401(k)s. 2012 had already been a good year. traders were quick to point out that had we gone over the fiscal cliff, we wouldn't be talking about a 300-point rally. we would probably be talking about a 300-point selloff or worse. and the volatility is not over for the week. friday, the big jobs report for the month of december expect 160,000 jobs to have been added last month. bianna golodryga, abc news, new york. >> all right, thanks a lot,

bianna. after a firestorm of criticism from within his own party, house speaker john boehner has agreed to hold a vote tomorrow for aid for victims of hurricane sandy. the new congress being sworn in later today will vote on a $9 billion portion of that bill and a vote for the remaining $51 billion will be held on the 15th of the month. both republicans and democrats from new york and new jersey ripped into boehner when he allowed congress to adjourn after the fiscal cliff deal without voting on the aid package. >> 66 days and counting. shame on you. shame on congress. >> since the vote will be taken in the new congress, the senate will have to pass the legislation again. it is expected to be approved quickly on a voice vote. >> can we streamline anything? please? >> it is crazy. but i mean, you have to look, though, at the big picture. it's good that boehner has kind of gone back a little bit and promised this money. because the folks in the northeast made the point that

katrina victims got their money within a few weeks of that storm back in 2005. what could be the holdup here? but some felt the $60 billion price tag was just too much. either way, it looks like lit get done within the next two weeks. >> a lot of critics within boehner's own party had a meeting with them in his office today to try to calm them down a little bit and say, this is going to happen. gave them his word it was going to happen. they'll get the $9 million as of friday, and the remaining $51 billion, that pledge, coming up. but some of the more outspoken critics said that this won't sway them, they'll still vote for him in the 113th congress. >> he's had a rough couple of weeks, though, speaker boehner. plan b kind of collapsed on him, showed the rift in the republican party. then some republicans were not happy with how he handled the fiscal cliff deal. and then, again, fellow republicans not happy with how he handled the storm package. he's had a rough few weeks though. but looks like he will return as speaker of the house. power can be a bumpy thing sometimes. >> it can. speaking of a good thing.

good news about hillary clinton. the secretary of state is back home in suburban new york this morning following treatment for a blood clot. with her husband and daughter at her side, clinton walked out of the hospital yesterday afternoon. a state department spokesman says clinton is anxious to get back to the office, but it's not clear when she will return to washington. the new senate being sworn in today will have the largest class of women ever. a record 20 female senators are part of the incoming 113th congress. and they all sat down with "world news" anchor diane sawyer, sharing their views on everything from their male counterparts to a female president. you can catch the entire interview with diane tonight on "world news." and it's a diverse congress coming in today, which is reflective of the country. which is great. certainly a banner year for women. >> for women. the first openly gay senator. we have senator mark kirk who will walk up the steps of the congress for the first time since suffering a stroke. should be a pretty touching

moment. kind of what we saw when gabby giffords returned. he hasn't cast a vote in 11 months. massachusetts will again have a kennedy in congress as joe kennedy. and for the first time, the fewest number of military veterans since world war ii. >> as we get further and further away from the greatest generation. interesting how the demographics change. it is, yeah. >> certainly is. >> hopefully, they'll get something done, the new congress, unlike the old one, which was the least productive congress ever, literally, at least in terms of bills passed. >> let's just let the ladies do it. >> nowhere to go but up. >> we know how to get stuff done. >> roll with it, girl. talk about dirty politics, a former congressional candidate says she's been the target of vandalism by a political rival. gary smith was arrested for slashing the tires of janice arnold jones. a judge told him to stay away, but police say he didn't listen. now she says smith is stalking her. neither candidate won the seat by the way. should note that. but smith's former campaign

manager says he's been a target, as well, having to replace 54 tires because of smith. the dude likes to slash tires. no word on smith's motive. but a judge has ordered a psychiatric evaluation. he needs to sign some sort of a deal with a tire company. >> they belong in congress. if your workplace is like ours here, there are a lot of folks out sick. the cdc says flu season has hit, and it's hit pretty hard. health officials say since early december, there's been an increase in flu in more parts of the country and the strain of flu called h3n2 has been associated with more severe seasons. that strain leads to more hospitalizations and even more deaths. already, reports of flu in 29 spates. and you've heard of the classic smash and grab. usually involving a thief punching through a window to get what he wants. in texas, a thief took it a big step further. here's the surveillance video. he smashes the truck through the glass doors of the grocery

store. three people jump out, head straight for the atm, load it right on to the truck. an employee says the whole thing took 90 seconds. the thieves then got away. i'm wondering if they were able to actually tap into the atm after that. >> it's effective. their methods are effective. breaking into that thing is a different story. >> 90 seconds. >> quick. [ laughter ] >> i'm done. on a sports note, i was waiting for, you know, a classic line. >> it's my first day back. i'm not fully with it yet. >> for sports though -- willis always has something to say. sunday marks the beginning of the end for one of the nfl's most feared and respected players. we're not talking about a saint, new orleans saint. >> no, no. baltimore line backer ray lewis says he will retire when the ravens' playoff run is over. the legendary number 52 has played 17 nfl seasons and was

named all-pro in 13 of them. he says now is the time to spend a little more time being a father. >> god is -- god is calling. god is calling in so many other areas of life. and my children -- my children have made the ultimate sacrifice for their father. the ultimate, you know, for 17 years. >> lewis has missed most of the season with a torn tricep but says he'll back and ready to take on the colts on sunday in what's likely to be his last home game for the ravens. that doesn't spell good news for the colts. but they've had a remarkable season. >> a well-earned retirement. enjoy. coming up, it's one of the season's most unsettling films. the stars of "django unchained" sit down with abc's cynthia mcfadden to talk about the language, the violence, and the controversy. but first, real-life drama. new this morning. we'll tell you how an american plan to catch osama bin laden may be fueling violence against the pakistani people. you're watching "world news now." >> announcer: "world news now"

weather, brought to you by hotwire.com. for the big race in chicago, but i can only afford one trip. and i just found out my best friend is getting married in l.a. there's no way i'm missing that. then i heard about hotwire and i realized i could actually afford both trips. see, when really nice hotels have unsold rooms, they use hotwire to fill them. so i got my four-star hotels for half-price! >> men: ♪ h-o-t-w-i-r-e ♪ hotwire.com >> announcer: save big on car rentals too, from $12.95 a day.

welcome back, everybody. a serious story from pakistan. on tuesday, seven people were killed in what's considered the largest attack targeting efforts against polio. >> despite the attacks, vaccination workers say they will continue fighting this disease.

abc's nick schifrin has the details. >> reporter: the woman beneath this shroud is dead simply because she cared for needily children. she and her team were buried after being gunned down in their van by militants. >> it was ambushed. six of the female workers -- >> reporter: this boy lost his mother in the attack, the third in just three weeks against workers taking part in what had been a very successful program to vaccinate against polio. the woman's boss told us he blames not only the gunmen, but the cia. the cia tried every idea it could think of to get into the compound. among the neighbors, the cia. they moved into one of these houses. they even hired this doctor to launch a fake vaccine campaign. but launching a fake vaccination program may have backfired in the long-term, because today the taliban cites the program to justify their attacks.

>> because of these attacks, they've actually had to halt the polio vaccination campaign. this enormous barrier that's come in the way of the decades-long effort to eradicate polio is substantial. and it's going to take a long time for that to go away. >> reporter: the longer the attacks continue, the larger the risk to millions of children and to the women who provide them care. nick schifrin, abc news, london. >> sad on multiple levels there. coming up next, tabu topics, rough language and a bloody tale of revenge. it all describes quentin tarantino's new movie. >> up next, abc's cynthia mcfadden sits down with the stars of this highly controversial film. it's coming up. >> announcer: "world news now" continues after this from our abc stations.

so maybe you've heard of quentin tarantino's new movie, "django unchained." it's nominated for five golden

globe awards. it could be his most successful movie. >> did we mention it's kind of controversial here? "nightline" anchor cynthia mcfadden talked to the leading men. >> reporter: it is one of the best reviewed but most controversial movies of the year. quinten tarantino's film "django unchained." i sat down with two of the films stars, leonardo dicaprio and jamie foxx, along with the director, quentin tarantino. for their only joint interview about this movie. it defies classification. it's an epic, revenge fantasy. >> i like the way you die, boy. >> reporter: -- romantic western. one critic said recently, there's something for everyone to hate in this film. >> i don't think you do a film like this with quentin tarantino and not expect that. i think that's what you sign up for. >> i don't think anybody is going out there saying we used the word more excessively than it was used in 1858 in mississippi. >> reporter: dicaprio plays the

truly despicable calvin candee. >> we got us a fight going on. it's a good bit of fun. >> reporter: a plantation owner and all-around bad guy, who uses the "n" word repeatedly. >> i gotta say, the first day on set was incredibly difficult for me. >> it's supposed to be tough. you're not supposed to feel like that's normal in 2012, 2013. >> reporter: and then there's the violence. does the director think the violence he puts on the screen makes real violence more likely? >> it's nothing new. in shakespeare's time he was blamed all the time for the anarchy in the streets. there's violence in the streets. there's crime. who do you blame? blame the playmakers, because it's easy to blame them. >> wow. you know, look. controversy sells. it's going to do very well, could be his best selling film ever? "kill bill," "pulp fiction." he has quite a record. >> number two at the box office, but they say this could be the most violent yet. >> quentin, you know what you're

getting with quentin, that's for sure. we'll be back with more after this. they say this could be the most violent yet. >> quinten, you know what you're getting with quinten, that's for sure. we'll be back with more after this.

♪ oh i need someone to read me stories ♪ ♪ oh someone to turn the page let me check. sorry. >> don't mind us. >> we're catching up. it's been a week. finally this half hour, you know, if you watch at all, she is my girl. who else but kim kardashian. >> and halle barry. >> and halle berry. as you already know, though. kim is now with child. >> and beyonce. you've got a lot of girls. >> i get around. >> you've got to qualify that. but that didn't stop kim from a night out for new years, where she made her first comments about how her pregnancy is going. for one of hollywood's hottest couples, kim kardashian and kanye west rang in 2013 vegas style, celebrating a new year and a new addition.

proudly showing off her baby bump, the reality star spoke exclusively to "entertainment tonight" about her pregnancy. >> are you having morning sickness? cravings? >> i haven't yet. i wouldn't say that it's been easy, because it's been -- no morning sickness. >> this was a softer, warmer, really kind of engaging kim kardashian. >> reporter: the proud father-to-be, kanye west, first announced the news to 5,000 fans in atlantic city. >> can we make some noise for my baby mama right here? >> reporter: family and friends have been tweeting congratulations to the couple. sister kourtney wrote, been wanting to shout from the roof tops with joy, now i can. russell simmons tweeted, congrats to kim and kanye. happy for both of them. and demi lovato says, i love you

so much. i can't wait to baby-sit. but not everyone in the kardashian clan is so approving. according to "people" magazine, little brother rob reportedly said, i'm so proud of my sisters, but i'll be married before i have a baby. the 35-year-old rapper and 32-year-old reality bombshell went public with their relationship in march. however, kardashian is still legally wed to her second husband, nba player kris humphries. that union went down in flames just 72 days after their made-for-tv wedding spectacular in august of 2011. but for the soon-to-be mommy, 2013 will be about her new future and new baby. >> this new year is just about being happy and healthy. >> how do you feel? she's cheating on you. >> whoo! i'm heartbroken to think she's messing around with kanye. but it's a new year. i learned to accept things and i'm going to move on. i wish them health and happiness and above all, i wish that kid doesn't come out butt first.

this morning on "world news now," relief rally. stocks soar on the first trading day of the year as wall street cheers the tax deal. >> but with the payroll tax cut gone, workers are busy figuring out what their first paychecks of 2013 will really look like. it is thursday, january 3rd. >> announcer: from abc news, this is "world news now." good morning, everybody. i'm rob nelson. feels good to say that again. >> you are ready to go. >> ready. i'm rested. feels good. it's rare. >> you are more chipper than normal. >> it's a little bizarre. >> yeah, please. >> it feels good. >> do you feel like a normal human being? >> it's strange. it will be gone by tomorrow, folks. don't get used to this. >> he'll be back to his cranky self. >> exactly. >> but he's still as

inappropriate today as he will be tomorrow. >> it's the overnight. >> which i is nice. and i'm paula faris on this thursday. after all the fiscal fireworks in washington, the new year started with a monster rally on wall street. but there's still plenty of finger-pointing going on on capitol hill. also, the new focus on staying safe around propane grills after espn's hannah storm tells her story of being badly burned in an explosion. it's really important information that we need to disseminate. >> a household danger. i didn't know it happened to her until after she came out and said, this is what i've been through. so really scary there. >> yep. and then, precious moment. a touching delivery room photo goes viral. take a look at that. the details behind the picture make that our "favorite story of the day." that little hand reaching out. wow! and later -- were you pulling my finger? >> yeah. sorry. [ laughter ]

>> sorry. >> and folks, we're back. we're back, officially. >> sorry, yes. the brangelina rumor mill is working overtime. plenty of clues that the couple may have tied the knot on christmas day. >> really? >> all the evidence coming up in "the skinny." >> wow. there we go. there we go. everyone is good. see, showing some restraint. first, president obama has officially signed the fiscal cliff bill into law, which preserves tax cuts for millions of americans. >> but that last-minute deal worked out in congress also has other far-reaching effects. with a look at them, here's abc's jonathan karl. [ gavel bangs ] >> reporter: it finally passed. >> the motion is adopted. >> reporter: but not before a political bloodbath. at one point, the speaker of the house telling the top senate democrat to essentially buzz off. but using language we can't use on television. but it was speaker boehner who had to save the deal, fending off a revolt of his own party

and putting his job on the line, supporting something opposed by the vast majority of his fellow republicans. now that it's passed, what does it mean to you? for the first time in more than 20 years, you'll see tax increases on the wealthy. for taylor swift, who made an estimated $57 million last year, that's nearly $2.6 million in new taxes. warren buffett, who famously paid a lower tax rate than his secretary, will also take a hit. on an estimated earnings of $63 million, he'll pay at least an extra $2 million thanks to an increase in the capital gains tax. for those making under $400,000, no income tax hike. but your paycheck will still take a hit because the social security payroll tax cut passed two years ago is now gone. for workers earning $50,000, that will mean $1,000 less in their paychecks over the next year. and the bill extends unemployment benefits for some 2 million people looking for work. but even as that was resolved, a

political firestorm erupted over what congress has failed to do, adjourning without passing an aid bill for victims of hurricane sandy. >> the rug was pulled out from under us. absolutely inexcusable. absolutely indefensible. >> absurd! absolutely absurd! >> shame on you, mr. speaker. >> reporter: the failure to even vote on the $60 billion bill prompted an outburst from new jersey governor chris christie. >> 66 days and counting. shame on you. shame on congress. >> reporter: his wrath aimed squarely at republican leaders in congress. >> they forget we sent them there. we sent them there to do the work for us. not to sit down there and play with each other. >> reporter: all that sound and fury apparently paid off. late wednesday, the speaker of the house said that aid to victims of hurricane sandy would be the first priority of the new congress to be sworn in on thursday. the first vote for sandy victims coming on friday. jonathan karl, abc news, the white house.

>> understandable outrage. you have to wonder why it was handled so poorly. and why -- why scrap the bill? at least give the folks a heads up that we're not going to do it right now. we'll do it later in the month. it just -- it seems like that could have been an avoidable episode of outrage from within the republican party. >> yes. there's a lot of that going on right now. despite all of that, they said they're still going to vote -- the republicans that were very vocal against the speaker of the house, said they would still vote for him. >> so he'll keep his job, absolutely. again, people think the cliff thing is over and i think you pointed on the show earlier this week that payroll tax holiday, roughly what, 1.2%? it's going up a little bit. so everyone is still going to take a hit. so that paycheck tomorrow, open it up. everyone is still taking a hit. we got the bush tax cuts settled. the payroll tax is gone, roughly 2%. so everyone still gets a little pinch come paycheck time this month. in related news, the fiscal cliff agreement ignited the stock market yesterday. the first trading day of this new year. the dow was up more than 300

points. its biggest gain since december of 2011. hillary clinton is back home this morning after being released from a new york hospital with her husband and daughter at her side. clinton walked out of columbia presbyterian yesterday afternoon. a spokesman says the secretary of state is anxious to get back to washington, but her stay won't be long. president obama has already nominated john kerry to take clinton's place. we just hope that she takes some well-deserved time off. >> absolutely. it's certain to be a very emotional day for parents as sandy hook elementary students return to classes for the first time since the massacre there. families got a chance yesterday to check out the new school, which has been renovated to accommodate younger kids. the sign outside of chalk hill middle school has now been changed to read "sandy hook elementary school." green ribbons of support line the road to the school. >> a great deal of thought and effort and volunteer work to make this as seamless as possible. at one point, there were 80

people in the building cleaning up the building, doing the kinds of things, painting to make it really look cheerful and happy. >> at the nearby volunteer firehouse, where so many parents learned the grim news that their children had died, 26 bronze stars now line the roof. 20 small ones for the first grade students and 6 larger stars for the adults. and the suburban new york newspaper that sparked outrage by identifying thousands of gun owners has hired armed guards to protect its own staff. in response to the newtown school shooting, "the journal news" posted an interactive map last week listing the names and addresses of people with gun permits. the paper has received a flood of negative reaction, including an intimidating e-mail. and one nearby county is refusing the newspaper's request for the names of its permit holders. putnam county officials say the move is an invasion of privacy that could endanger lives, but

they may not have much of a choice under the freedom of information law. but you wonder, i understand that they want to disseminate this information and engage people and just start a conversation. but what good are you doing by listing the names and addresses of those who are within their legal right of owning a gun? >> that's my question, what is the end game here? what's the goal? the bottom line is, you can't really fault the paper. they should explain more what they're trying to do, but it is public information. if you're registered with the government, it makes it a public record. if you applied for a permit. so there's no legality in terms of should it be public? the answer is clearly yes. but it's just what is the goal here? now we know who applied. now what? >> is it going to turn neighbor against neighbor here? >> now what? >> i don't see the goal. >> i don't know. i guess maybe they got wrapped up in the debate so they wanted to stoke it a little. >> i thought it was interesting from this particular county, they said -- they're calling "the journal news" editors elitist eggheads and called the decision to publish the maps as asinine. how about that?

>> we'll hear what the newspaper has to say in response to that. but no, no -- any way. relatives of some of the 12 people killed in the colorado movie theater massacre have flatly rejected an invitation to attend the reopening of the theater. outraged family members called it a quote disgusting offer, saying cinemark had not reached out to them previously to offer condolences for what happened there months ago. the january 17th event is being called an evening of remembrance, but some relatives say it's nearly a public relations ploy. a passing to note. singer patty page has died. ♪ how much is that doggie in the window ♪ ♪ the one with the waggly tail >> got to love that voice. she spent two months at number one in 1952 with "how much is that doggy in the window." and her song "tennessee waltz" reached the top of the pop, r&b,

and country charts simultaneously. she won her only grammy award in 1999. she will be given a lifetime achievement award at the upcoming grammys. she died tuesday in california. she was 85. >> everybody loves that song. >> i love it. love it. here's your thursday forecast, everybody. up to six inches of snow in southwest texas and the new mexico desert. it will be a little windy in southern cali and some light lake-effect snow from grand rapids to western new york and pennsylvania. thunderstorms in the southeast. showers along the gulf coast. >> just shy of 50 in dallas, atlanta, and new orleans. mostly 30s in the northeast. teens in minneapolis and fargo. and coming up after the break, we told you about hannah storm's triumphant return to tv after a horrible propane accident that left her seriously hurt. up next, a question on a lot of people's minds, how to make sure your propane grill is safe and secure. great information you need to know, coming up on "world news now." >> announcer: "world news now"

weather brought to you by arriva medical. by ariba medical. every time someone chooses finish over cascade,

it sparks a movement. look! no ugly spots! and see that shine! you've got to try finish. because once they try finish, they can't keep it to themselves. i'm switching for good. wow! awesome! finish is seriously good. cannot believe how great it works. incredible shine. i won't use anything else. love, love, love finish! so far over a million neighbors, friends, and family have switched to finish. join the finish revolution and get up to 50% off. [ male announcer ] why do more emergency workers everywhere trust duracell...?? duralock power preserve. locks in power for up to 10 years in storage. now...guaranteed. duracell with duralock. trusted everywhere.

introducing a revolutionary new mascara. clump crusher...crusher. 200% more volume. zero clumps. new clump crusher from easy, breezy, beautiful covergirl.

welcome back, everyone. early january really isn't barbecue season for most of the country. but it's as good a time as any for a safety lesson. >> this all comes after the burning of espn anchor hannah storm by her propane grill. and then later, her brave return back to the air. abc's lisa stark reports. >> a great beginning to what should be a spectacular parade. >> reporter: it's nearly impossible to tell that our colleague, hannah storm, is

recovering from serious burns. less than a month ago, her outdoor propane grill exploded. >> i remember i yelled inside to my 15-year-old daughter, who was in the kitchen, mommy's on fire. you have to call 911. >> reporter: the flames burned her face, neck, chest and hand. hannah had lit the grill but when she went to check on it ten minutes later, the flame had blown out. she went to light it again, not realizing that even though the top had been open, an invisible cloud of propane had formed. >> i relit the flame and it was a wall of fire, a huge explosion. >> reporter: you can see from videos on youtube just how dangerous propane grills can be if not used carefully. something grillmakers warn about. we put it to the test. watch what happens if you light the grill with the top closed. the gas builds up. and james novak of the st. paul, minnesota fire department shows us what happens if the grill goes out. the propane keeps flowing. you go to relight the grill.

watch again as those doors blow open. here's what's happening. if the flame goes out, the gas can begin to fill up the grill, especially if the tank is enclosed. because propane is heavier than air, it's slow to dissipate, even more so in cold weather, pooling around the tank and grill. so when you go to relight, this could happen to you. if your grill goes out and you need to relight it, how long should you wait? >> most manufacturers' instructions will say a minimum of five minutes. >> reporter: so again, if your flame blows out, open the grill, turn off the valve, wait five minutes, and trust your nose. oh, i do smell that. propane has an added odor, like rotten eggs. to warn you. although hannah says she never smelled anything. she's just thankful now to be on the mend. lisa stark, abc news, washington. >> how very lucky. props to her for having the spirit to come back and get back on the air. and to her hair and makeup

people. she looked wonderful when she got back on the air as well, too. but there's a lesson for all the grillers out there for sure. >> take heed of that advice. let it dissipate, open up the top of the grill, wait five minutes before you try to relight it. >> and the smell test. >> or buy charcoal, which i have. >> even better. up next, did brad and angelina tie the knot? >> why some say the two got hitched. "the skinny" is coming up next on "world news now." >> announcer: "world news now" continues after this fro

♪ skinny so skinny ♪ oh! >> oh. >> willis just woke up. >> willis just woke up. exactly. time for my first "skinny" of 2013. could be potentially big news here. according to the "telegraph" here, brad and angelina may have tied the knot over christmas. eight months they announced their engagement back in april of 2012. and now there are some reports out there saying they did, indeed, tie the knot. they had this holiday vacation in the caribbean, and there was reports that there was a very private, small ceremony. maybe kind of to fool the press. and they're saying these two are officially, could be officially husband and wife after seven years together. he's 49, she's 37. six kids and apparently, get this, when you have six kids, guess how many nannies they took on this vacation? 12. 12 nannies for 6 kids.

>> so they took two on one for each child? >> yes, that's it. that's it. >> maybe brad just likes to have a harem. >> you never know. maybe they got hitched. could be. we'll see. >> that would have been a perfect ploy, christmas day, paparazzi. probably, you know -- >> everyone off for the holidays. smart thinking. we'll see if it's true though. some groundbreaking modeling news coming from serbia. for the first time, a transgender model has been on an "elle" cover. this is andreas, she's a he in real life. but he's the first -- well, not first, but he's an androgynous model. he models both male and female clothes. he's previously modeled lingerie. wedding gowns. he says my gender is open to artistic interpretation. he hit the cat walk dressed as both sexes. he's the first transgender

model, like i just said, to be on the cover of "elle." in the magazine, it's kind of like his two sides struggling with one another. the female is dressed in a black, lacy lingerie and suspenders and wrestles with the male who wears a variety of dark suits. she's pretty. >> something different. yeah, all right. go ahead, "elle," magazine. and another, i love this story, too. props to j.j. abrams, director of the new "star trek" movie. word got out that there was this person named dan, a 41-year-old man dying of cancer after damage to his liver. and through reddit, word got out he was a diehard "star trek" fan. long story short, the director of movie got dan in to see a special screening of the movie and he was able to do that. so we wanted to tip our hat to j.j. for a move very well done to honor a man's dying wishes. and a huge fan. that's great. >> very cool. and finally, katie holmes. is she dating jake gyllenhaal? yes, according to the italian

tabloids. but according to reps for jake and katie, they say it's a complete 100% fabrication. cute couple, though. a complete 100% fabrication. cute couple, though. cute couple, though. the truth about mascara is... it clumps. introducing a revolutionary new mascara. clump crusher...crusher. 200% more volume. zero clumps. new clump crusher from easy, breezy, beautiful covergirl.

before the tissue, help defend with a wipe. before the cold & flu season, help prevent with lysol. because when you have 10 times more protection with each hand wash... and kill 99.9% of germs around the house with each spray... those healthy habits start to add up. this season, a good offense is the best defense and lysol has your family covered because that's our mission for health. we can afford to take an extra trip this year. first boston... then san francisco. hotwire checks the competitions' rates every day so they can guarantee their low prices. so our hotels were half price. ♪ h-o-t-w-i-r-e... ♪ hotwire.com plus the perfecting color of a bb cream equal? introducing the newest beauty trend. total effects cc cream c for color. c for correction.

[ female announcer ] fight 7 signs of aging flawlessly. cc what's possible. ♪ isn't she lovely, isn't she wonderful ♪ a little stevie wonder. all right. finally this half hour, some kids in the spotlight. we're going to start in akron, ohio, where two little boys were born on monday. their mothers share a bond, too. they are identical twins. >> ashley and amy nelson say they didn't plan on getting pregnant at the same time, it just happened. and their mom says she's not surprised, because her girls have had a twins' connection forever. >> they would go shopping on two totally different occasions, not even talking to each other and will end up bringing home the same thing, but opposite colors. until this day they do that. >> donovan and aden were born an hour and 52 minutes apart. everybody is doing well.

cute kids, welcome to the world. and now we have an amazing image that's going to take place at that magical moment of birth. and that's why it is our "favorite story of the day." >> we should say that some might find the photograph at the center of the story fairly graphic. but it really does kind of capture a unique and wonderful moment for the family you're about to meet. adam slinger of our phoenix station reports. >> reporter: when you realize what you're seeing, you probably won't believe it. >> as soon as i looked at it, looked in the camera and saw the picture, i was like wow, this is awesome. >> reporter: not even officially born for another 15 seconds, the picture shows a baby holding on to the doctor's hand during a c-section. >> he knew right away it was going to be a good photo. >> reporter: alicia atkins is a professional photographer. but it was her husband, randy, who took the image she'll never forget. >> my daughter reached up out of my stomach. >> reporter: she posted the picture on facebook the day after christmas and gave it as a gift to the man who gave her baby a helping hand.

>> i saw the hand just barely up against the bag of water. >> reporter: dr. alan sawyer delivered the baby back on october 9th. he says usually the baby's head is the first thing he sees, but not this time. >> i've never captured that picture before. so that's really rare. >> it's such a miracle of life. >> it was an awesome experience to have. >> aw. the miracle of birth. this guy, if and when he ever becomes a father, just clean it up and let me know when i can return. >> i like the kid when the kid is cleaned up and with the beanie on. that's when i get involved. all that other stuff? that is a beautiful -- you're a mom, you appreciate that. >> you're involved for five minutes and once the birth is over. >> just cleaned up a little bit. that is a pretty picture. so congrats. >> it's a miracle. >> the miracle of life. >> announcer: this is abc's "world news now." informing insomniacs for two decades.

this morning, it is now the law. >> president obama, signing the fiscal cliff bill overnight, 5,000 miles from the latest firestorm on capitol hill. outrage over the failure to vote on sandy relief. a rocky start, as the 113th congress is sworn in today. also today, together again. students and teachers of sandy hook elementary resume the school year just hours from now. flu fears. could this be the worst season in years? why an early start is an ominous sign. and caught in the act. home surveillance cameras coming in handy. a couple who snapped these thieves in their living room. even a politician, out for revenge.